Scientists are developing a simple blood test to predict multiple sclerosis up to nine years before the onset of symptoms.

Experts predict that the discovery could lead to much earlier treatment to prevent the disease progressing.

At present, doctors have no way of detecting MS before symptoms develop and patients are frequently diagnosed too late.

Early warning: If doctors can predict the onset of MS early enough, it is possible that drugs could be administered to stave off symptoms

But a team of Israeli doctors and scientists have identified
certain chemicals which, if present in the blood, indicate the person
may get the disease.

These 'chemical markers' could lead to a test.

Professor Anat Achiron, of Tel Aviv University's faculty of
medicine, said: 'Every time we meet a new patient exhibiting symptoms
of MS, we must ask ourselves how long this has been going on.

WHAT IS MS?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the ability of nerve cells
in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other.

Nerve cells in the brain send electrical signals down fibres called
axons, which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin.

In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages myelin,
causing scarring (or sclerosis), which affects the axons ability to
conduct signals.

MS takes several forms, with symptoms relapsing or accumulating over time.

Permanent disability occurs as the disease advances.

Disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in females.

'We can diagnose MS by brain MRI scans, but we've never been able to know how "fresh" the disease is.'

If doctors can predict the onset of MS early enough it is
possible that drugs such as Copaxone or Beta-interferon could be
administered. They stave off MS symptoms - but do not cure them.

By examining blood samples of 20 19-year-old Israelis who were
inducted into the army as healthy soldiers, and nine of them who later
developed MS, the researchers were able to examine thousands of genes
for markers which showed a difference in those who developed MS.

These markers may be used to test for MS up to nine years before healthy young adults start developing symptoms.

Because MS is thought to have a genetic component and a tendency
to be found in siblings, doctors believe the markers will initially be
used as a tool for testing brothers and sisters of patients.